STARKSBORO/JERUSALEM —Dana Lee Smith, born Jan. 6, 1950, died July 30, 2021, at home after a courageous battle with cancer. He was surrounded by his son, Ben Smith, Gina Merlini, Ariana Perlee and many extended family members and special friends,

Dana, aka “Smitty,” was a Vietnam Veteran, although scarred and sometimes troubled by the lingering aftermath of being a  soldier, he loved his country and his Vermont home. He was a small-statured man with a very big heart. He loved his son so much and taught him many things: the art of maple sugaring, fishing, hunting, love and knowledge of the outdoors, nature, animals, especially dogs, (he never was without a faithful dog), card playing, sharing family recipes and more.

Smitty loved being part of the scene, and so enjoyed spending time with his friends. In recent years, he thoroughly loved going to bluegrass festivals. Although not a musician, he loved music and enjoyed barbecuing and smoking meats for the gang.

He certainly made his mark on the world.

There will be an invitation to take part in a celebration of life, but arrangements have not been made as of yet. Cremation services provided by Stephen C. Gregory & Sons, South Burlington, Vt.◊